At the third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin said the global balance of power was moving away from dominance by a small group of states. He argued that “the era when the fate of entire continents was determined by a narrow bloc of states is passing” and that a fairer order would give all countries a stronger voice.¹

Putin said a multipolar world was “really becoming a reality,” while claiming that its opponents were countries still thinking in terms of their colonial past and enriching themselves at others’ expense.¹ He placed Africa at the center of that transition, saying the continent’s influence and authority on the global stage were growing.

The Russian leader then turned to economic relations. He accused the West of trying to trap Africa in “debt slavery” and described tariff wars and sanctions as tools of neocolonialism.¹ By contrast, he said Russian companies were developing local processing rather than exploiting African resources, and that bilateral trade was expanding despite pressure and sanctions.

Putin said Russia expected trade with Africa to exceed $50 billion “in the very near future.” He also said more than 40 African countries were receiving Russian fertilizer and grain, with Moscow prepared to increase supplies. Africa, he added, had the agricultural potential to become self-sufficient in food.

Finally, Putin presented BRICS as a major force in the emerging order, saying its members generated more than 40% of global GDP over the previous five years, compared with less than 30% for the G7.¹ The figures and broader claims were presented from the Russian government’s perspective, with no opposing assessment included in the source material.